While orphanages may be something we’ve relegated to history books and horror movies, they were once important institutions. This abandoned orphanage in Marquette, Michigan once sheltered countless children, and the way it looks today is completely fascinating.

Read on to learn more about the site, and check out the haunting images photographer Dan Turner captured at this relic of the past.

Once known as the Holy Family Orphanage, this place was founded in 1915.
Dan Turner via SUBSTREET
It was built to handle the overflow from Michigan's two other largest orphanages.
Dan Turner via SUBSTREET
The first residents were 60 Native American children, six of whom were sisters.
Dan Turner via SUBSTREET
Eventually, the orphanage went on to care for about 240 children.
Dan Turner via SUBSTREET
Most of the kids were between the second and eighth grades.
Dan Turner via SUBSTREET
It was a Catholic institution, so children were required to pray frequently and their caretakers were nuns.
Dan Turner via SUBSTREETV
After playtime was over, a nun would summon the children to bed by blowing a large horn.
Dan Turner via SUBSTREET
In 1963, the orphanage opened its doors to young Cuban refugees through a program called Operation Pedro Pan.
Dan Turner via SUBSTREET
A year later, the last of the orphans left Holy Family and the building was used only for its offices.
Dan Turner via SUBSTREET
In 1982, the orphanage was completely abandoned.
Dan Turner via SUBSTREETV

The fate of the orphanage is uncertain, but it would certainly be a shame to lose such a historic local landmark.

 

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